3’s short-course concept expanding to Charlotte, targeting 2025 opening

Since its 2020 opening, 3’s has been a singular place, a fun-for-all ages short course in Greenville, S.C., that revolves around great food, good vibes and engaging par-3 golf.

As a golf and hospitality concept, it is one of a kind.

Come next year, though, the original 3’s will no longer stand alone.

Building on the success of the Greenville site, 3’s, which partners with 8AM Golf and Justin Timberlake, has acquired an existing par-3 course in Charlotte, N.C., which they plan to turn into a second 3’s location. As part of the transformation, Pebble Creek Golf Course, in Indian Trail, will undergo an extensive renovation, bringing the popular 3’s template to North Carolina’s fastest-growing metropolitan area. An opening date is set for late 2025.

“We wanted to make sure we got the first one right, and we have,” 3’s founder Davis Sezna said. “What’s got me especially excited now is just how good the next one can be.”

Like the Greenville location, the Charlotte 3’s will feature 12 par-3 holes under the lights, anchored by a clubhouse restaurant called the Grubhouse, offering fresh takes on regionally inspired comfort food and drinks. The inviting atmosphere will be brightened by music, with fire pits and Adirondack chairs overlooking a Himalayas-style putting green.

For all its similarities to the original 3’s, the Charlotte site also will boast an augmented Grubhouse with a larger and more varied menu. The putting green, too, will be roughly twice the size of Greenville’s.

For course renovations, Pebble Creek will be transformed into a Goldilocks layout, challenging for skilled players but enjoyable for golfers of all ages and abilities. The wide-ranging appeal of the golf is meant to match the warmth of the hospitality.

“We look at a lot of opportunities in golf, and our team long ago identified non-traditional golf experiences as a significant growth area,” said Trey Marucci, 8AM’s chief strategy officer. “We were extremely impressed with what Davis had done in Greenville, and we knew that if anyone could make golf fun for everyone, it was him.”

Even as work proceeds on the Charlotte location, Marucci said that plans are underway to expand the 3’s concept to other sites. Several already have been identified, though Marucci said it was too early to reveal those locations or when they might open.

“We’re already exploring sites three, four, five, six and seven,” he said. “We’re excited to take this to the rest of the country, and hopefully around the globe.”